John 1:14-18
Immanuel
Friends, the impact of today’s message to the world cannot be measured.
Today, we find the climax of John’s introduction regarding the Word of God.
He who was in the beginning WITH God – and WAS God – and all things were created THROUGH Him.
John the Baptist proclaimed “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
John the Baptist declared that He who was coming was greater than he – mightier than he – and worthy of all honor – for He who was coming had seen the face of God.
Today, the Apostle John declares that the Word who is God became flesh and walked among men.
Immanuel – God with us
John 1:14-18
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as ofthe only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
Let’s break this amazing revelation down to learn from it
I. The Miracle of the Incarnation (v. 14)
Incarnate – Manifestation in physical, bodily form.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as ofthe only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
And the Word became flesh
Immanuel – Matthew 1:20-23
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
The "Word" (Logos) - Became flesh (Sarx)
The Logos= persuasive argument/word/expression of concept or idea
Became Sarx= flesh/tissue, that which can be stripped off the bone.
“The Word “Became” Ginomai {gin-ō-mah}
In verse 1, John used the word (ēn) (The Word "was” with God and “was” God), which implies the Word’s eternal existence and identity as being one with God.
Here, in verse 14, he switches to (ginomai), which means "to come into being" or "to become."
In verse 1 – the Word was God / In verse 14 – the Word became flesh.
The Logos, who was with God and who IS GOD, did not change into flesh- He took on a new state of being. Ginomai {gin-ō-mah}
The Word became flesh-
Sarx (flesh): John could have used sōma (a general term for the body), which is more neutral.
Instead, he chose sarx. In the Greek world, sarx was often viewed as being earthly, or even weak.
By saying the Logos became sarx, John is making the most radical statement possible:
The Nature of the Flesh: Jesus didn't just "appear" human – He was flesh and blood – same as you and I.
In the first century a heretical teaching called (Docetism) “Dō-see-tism” was being spread that declared Jesus was divine, but only appeared to be human – and therefore did not face the same struggles, trials and sufferings that are common to you and I.
This is sometimes practiced today when people deny Jesus was fully tempted, felt the pain of loss, or suffered in His flesh.
In the Book of Hebrews, speaking of Jesus as our High Priest, we read-
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
Jesus remained fully God, One with the Father, and yet fully became flesh—He was subject to hunger, weariness, frustration, anger and temptation.
Which He did – for your sins – and for mine – so that in His death – by Grace and through Faith – you and I might have eternal life.
and He dwelt among us,
Once – a long time ago – in the Garden of Eden – before the fall – God walked with mankind.
After the fall – that relationship died – sinful man could no longer stand in the presence of the Holy God.
And yet – God still desired a relationship with man – and to meet with man – so He commanded that His people build Him a Tabernacle.
Exodus 25:8 "Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them."
The Tabernacle: Where God and man meet.
The Greek skēnoō {skin-naw-ō} (dwelt) refers to pitching a tent.
Skēnoō: as a tent for a dwelling - carries the idea of a temporary residence.
For Jesus - His humanity was the "tent" that veiled His glory, just as the skins of the Tabernacle veiled the Holy of Holies.
In the same way the Glory of God dwelt in the tabernacle – so that man could meet with God-
God dwelt among men – in the tent of the flesh – to meet with man and so that man could meet with God.
Not in a palace – Not in a temple – but in the flesh, as we are flesh.
Born of a humble family – into a humble time – to live a humble life – that would draw all those with ears to hear – the Word of God – and be saved.
Your tent and mine-
And friends – we desperately need that salvation – because you and I are living in these “tents” of our flesh – and they are temporary – and they are wasting away – day-by-day.
Peter encouraged others, as he saw his days growing short-
2 Peter 1:13-14 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
Paul discussed the hope that every Follower of Jesus Christ has-
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’”
Eyewitness Testimony: John writes, "We saw His glory."
Not legend. Not lore. Not myth or wishful thinking. John declares his is a firsthand report.
Though God walked among men in common flesh – it did not prevent Him revealing His glory.
“Glory” – Greek {doxa} praise – honor – renown – radiant beauty
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; / Praise Him, all creatures here below; / Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; / Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – AMEN
We praise Jesus – for in Him was seen HIS glory – not that of another – not the reflection of the Father – but Glory that is HIS OWN
Colossians 1:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
“As the only begotten from the Father” – Much ink and false doctrine has been built on the misunderstanding of this phrase.
This phrase in English is ONE GREEK WORD the Holy Spirit inspired John to use when regarding to the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.
– {Monogenés} “monaug-anayse”
Monogenēs (μονογενής) is a Koine Greek adjective used frequently in the New Testament to describe Jesus as the Son of God, and occasionally to describe other children in filial relationships.
The term is traditionally translated as "only-begotten", but modern scholarship often translates it as "one-of-a-kind" , "unique" or one and only.
The core meaning hinges on a combination of monos ("only," "single") and a second element genes –
derived either from gennaō ("to beget") or genos ("kind," "class").
Monogenes in Scripture
The word appears nine times in the New Testament, with five uses referring to Jesus:
John 1:14, 1:18, 3:16, 3:18, 1 John 4:9: Used to describe Jesus as the "only-begotten" or "one and only" Son of God.
Luke 7:12, 8:42, 9:38: Used to describe the only child of a widow, Jairus's only daughter, and a man's only son.
Hebrews 11:17: Describes Isaac as Abraham's monogenes son. This is often cited to support the "unique" definition, as Abraham had another son, Ishmael. However, the verse emphasizes Isaac as the unique son of the covenant promise.
WHY IT MATTERS-
Depending on how you choose to interpret Monogenes determines who you believe Jesus is.
This term forces people into one of TWO camps-
1) Jesus is the monos = unique/only à genes = one and same divine substance as God the Father. (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant)
2) Jesus is the monons – unigue/only à genes = creation of God who created Him unique. (Jehovah Witness)
3) All mankind, including Jesus, are all literal spiritual children of heavenly parents. (Mormon)
Various Interpretations and biblical term used for Monogenes
"Only-Begotten" (Traditional View): (KJV, NKJV, NASB)
This view suggests the second part of the word comes from gennaō ("to beget") and interprets the term to mean that Jesus in the flesh came into His mortal state of the same divinity as that of God the Father.
"One-and only” “only son" (Modern View): Many modern translations (NIV, NLT, ESV) prefer "one and only" or "unique".
This view suggests the second part of the word comes from genos ("kind"), meaning Jesus is incomparable or unique in his kind, as is God the Father.
"Only/Beloved Child" (Contextual View): This interpretation focuses on the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son.
Theological Significance
Unique Relationship: Monogenes defines the relationship between Jesus and God the Father as incomparable to any other.
"Begotten, Not Made": In the context of early church creeds (like the Nicene Creed), the term was used to fight the Arian heresy (which claimed Jesus was created) by affirming that Jesus is "begotten, not made".
What does it all mean to us?
Jesus is Unique and Divine Nature: It indicates that Jesus is not merely a special or unique son, but shares the same nature and essence as the Father.
The New Testament, points to Jesus as the unique Son of God - Sharing a nature that is truly divine, eternal, and the same in essence as the Father.
This understanding is affirmed by other teaching that proves the personhood of Jesus as being One with God.
John 1:1 “And the Word was with God and the Word was God.”
John 10:30 “I and the Father are One.”
Revelation 22:13 Jesus Himself declared He was the Alpha and the Omega. (the same words previously used by God to describe Himself)
Thomas who doubted – when he saw Jesus risen – declared in John 20:28 “My Lord and my God.”
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
The Word of God – Who is God – became flesh, and lived among men –
He came in the role, the position, of the Son – sent by the Father – Doing works and preparing the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
God in three persons – Blessed Trinity – Father / Son / Spirit
Equal in divinity –Distinct in role – Three persons – One God
Jesus came as the Christ – The Messiah – Immanuel - to relay to us His message of Grace and Truth. (As we will see in the next section)
The Preeminence of Christ:
John 1:15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’”
This reinforces the eternal nature stated in verse 1 – In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
From the fullness of His grace – we who have believed have received Grace.
“Kahris antē Kahris”
Grace Upon Grace: This beautiful phrase (charis anti charis) suggests an inexhaustible supply of Grace from our God.
Like waves hitting the shore, as soon as one wave of grace is washes over us, another arrives.
Consider the waves of grace for believers found in Ephesians 1:5-8
5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight-
“Kahris antē Kahris” Grace upon Grace
Law vs. Grace:
The Law was given to man through Moses- The Law contained NO GRACE – It revealed the standard of righteousness.
It demanded obedience and declared judgement.
The Law demonstrated the Unrighteousness of man and made clear man’s need for a Savior.
Jesus brought Grace and Truth
The message of grace and truth proclaimed by Jesus is the perfect balance of God’s unconditional love (grace) and righteous reality (truth).
It reveals God’s mercy to sinners while demanding holiness, contrasting with the legalism of the Law.
Grace (The Gift): Is receiving God's unmerited favor, His mercy, on man who had already fallen short of righteousness in disobedience under the Law.
Truth (The Reality): It is the uncompromising reality of God's Word, which convicts of sin, exposes injustice, and yet sets people free from condemnation if they are freed by Grace through faith in believing.
Where the Law shows us the stains of our sins-
Grace washes them away.
And the full knowledge of that mystery, the revealing of God’s Grace – was revealed when the Word became Flesh – And dwelt among men.
grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. - The Word of God named at last!!
And what a Powerful name it is – Jesus of Nazareth – the man, is also the Christ!
18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
GREEK!!
No one (no man) has seen (beheld/heeded/perceived) God (theos) “thāyos” at any time (ever)
Remember from verse 1 that Theon is the person of God – Where “thāyos” is the subject of God – His character and attributes.
The Invisible Made Visible: No one has seen God's essence, but Jesus has "revealed" Him – and “manifest” Him.
Which only Jesus can do – AS ONLY HE IS OF GOD – the Only begotten, One and only –
Who is in the bosom of the Father – The phrase defining the mutual intimacy, love and knowledge existing in the Godhead.
And Jesus has “explained” the Father to us – making Him known to us.
Something new- Unlike Old Testament Encounters: While figures like Moses saw "God," they saw a manifestation. Jesus provides the full revelation of God.
The NIV translates this passage: 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”
Which should be the foundation for every person serious about learning from the Word of God.
The goal of Exegesis is to discover from the Word of God it's true teaching and intent.
We do this by studying the original language, historical context, systematic theology to consider like themes.
We do this to AVOID “eisegesis” – where the word of God is forced to fit preconceived agendas, self-serving interpretation, and subjective teachings.
Jesus, being One with the Father, and the physical incarnation of God, is the only one capable of revealing and interpreting God to us!
In John 1:1 – the Word was explained – The Word is God
In John 1:14 – God became flash – and dwelt among man - to reveal Himself to His creation.
In John 1:18 – The Word, God, Immanuel- is named - Jesus Christ.
And because of the revelation of Jesus, in Word, Deed, and Instruction-
God is no longer a "theological concept" to be debated, He is a "Person" to be known.
Luke 10:22 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
In Conclusion:
Jesus is Immanuel. He is not a partial revelation of God with us; Jesus is God with us in all His fullness:
Jesus is the perfect "Exegesis" of the Father. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.
Jesus is the Christ - is our Savior
God sent His Son to live among us. To reveal Himself to Us. To die on the cross for us to reconcile fallen man back to Himself.
Jesus declared- ““I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25
God is with Us – even in the in the Ordinary:
Because Jesus "pitched His tent" in a dusty, working-class world, we know God is interested in our mundane, daily lives—not just our "spiritual" moments.
Praise God for His grace that washes over you from the fullness of Jesus Christ:
So often we try to live in our own strength – find grace that we have earned from our own doing.
The law has already broken us because of weakness – but in Christ Jesus we find forgiveness – renewal – and the strength to overcome.
The Approachable God:
We were unworthy - and could not approach God – We were made to stand outside the veil –
How amazing then that God became "Immanuel" and stepped outside the veil to walk beside us?!
Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
II. The Witness of the Glory (vv. 14b- 15)
III. The Supply of Grace (vv. 16–17)
IV. The Revelation of the Father (v. 18)
The "Exegesis" of Grace
All that Jesus is and does interprets and explains
who God is and what He does.
Life Applications